Intel wants interchangeable notebook components

Intel is promoting an initiative to make notebooks more upgradeable to reduce user complaints and increase adoption:

The chip maker's Interchangeability Initiative, by promoting the use of common building blocks in notebook and mobile PC units similar to standards applied by desktop manufacturers, aims to reduce downtime and make mobile PC ownership as carefree as desktop ownership.

Intel has identified seven component categories—hard disk drive, optical drive, LCD panel, battery pack, customizable notebook panel, power adapters and keyboards—that can be built on common building blocks, making them interchangeable and readily available for replacement or upgrade, the company announced the week of March 13 at its Intel Solutions Summit partner conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.